Why we ‘must not be ashamed to celebrate 1916 Easter Rising’

Ministers debating how to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising have been told by a leading professor that it should be a ‘shameless celebration’.

The comments from a prominent Irish historian followed concerns that a full celebration of the Rising could be divisive in some communities in Ireland. Some commentators have pointed to the way Loyalist celebrations of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne have led often caused offence and sometimes led to civil unrest in Northern Ireland.

Officials planning next year’s centenary of the Easter Rising want to strike a balance between celebrating the beginning of Irish independence and not appearing aggressive or hostile to other communities.

Many countries celebrate key dates

However, Ronan Fanning, UCD Professor Emeritus of History, said the occasion must be a: “recognition of historical reality.”

He pointed out that many other countries celebrate key dates in their history even though they were often bloody and violent.

He said: “Did the American government shrink from the bicentenary of the decisive moment in the birth of the United State because that state was born out of war?

“Does the French government shrink from the annual celebration of Bastille Day notwithstanding the appalling bloodshed of the French Revolution?

“We should insist that whatever government will be in power, must unwaveringly lead the nation at home and abroad in unabashed celebration of the seminal moment in the birth of the Irish Republic”.

Fanning added that while: “we may condemn political violence, we cannot dispute that it is an invariable component in wresting independence from colonial powers.